Satan and perfectionism

[GodPreciousChild]

I was doing some deep thinking today and Ive decided that along with pride, Satan is also about being perfect. I haven't fully formed my thoughts on this but does anyone think Im on to something here? I think a person's desire to be perfect is evil and of Satan. Im not sure if that was part of Lucifer's fall but I wouldnt be surprised....Comments? Thoughts?

[MorningGlory]

I don't think striving for perfection is, in itself, evil. It would depend on the endeavor. I'd like to be a perfect follower of Jesus but I know I can never be.....like everyone else, I fall short of His perfection.

[OneLight]

I would say that when you try to be perfect, it is all in vain. It also will bring discouragement and depression, due to never being able to accomplish the goal. Now, if Christ draws you closer to Him and you want to be even closer, that is not evil, but a blessing.

[Fez]

Phi 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Phi 3:11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Phi 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Phi 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

I would say that to strive to be perfect is not in vain, depending on your interpretation of pefect. If it is striving to be as perfect as one can be under the eyes of Jesus, then that is scriptural, although we must understand that we can never attain His perfection, or come close to it.

But if we are talking about worldy perfectionism, then I think satan can, and will, use this to lead us away from our faith.

Hey, no one is perfect. North, East, West, South - believe me, no one is perfect.

[Believer1997]

Well... I am detail-oriented. In my professional life, I make every effort to make sure my work is accurate, well-prepared and on time. I think it is important to take pride in the work that you do - in my work, it's important that the information I disseminate is correct. I have, in other areas of my life, struggled to keep 'perfectionism' from becoming an obstacle in my journey. I try very hard to be the kind of Christian God would have me to be... All fall short of that attempt - there are no perfect Christians... we are constantly evolving and learning and making mistakes. He continues to love us, though. Blessings.

[Guest man]

I was doing some deep thinking today and Ive decided that along with pride, Satan is also about being perfect. I haven't fully formed my thoughts on this but does anyone think Im on to something here? I think a person's desire to be perfect is evil and of Satan. Im not sure if that was part of Lucifer's fall but I wouldnt be surprised....Comments? Thoughts?

I'm evil?

[Believer1997]

I was doing some deep thinking today and Ive decided that along with pride, Satan is also about being perfect. I haven't fully formed my thoughts on this but does anyone think Im on to something here? I think a person's desire to be perfect is evil and of Satan. Im not sure if that was part of Lucifer's fall but I wouldnt be surprised....Comments? Thoughts?

I'm evil?

Nope... I think you are "Perfeck"....

[~Magdalena~]

I was doing some deep thinking today and Ive decided that along with pride, Satan is also about being perfect. I haven't fully formed my thoughts on this but does anyone think Im on to something here? I think a person's desire to be perfect is evil and of Satan. Im not sure if that was part of Lucifer's fall but I wouldnt be surprised....Comments? Thoughts?

Think you're onto something serious there. Most people believe the greatest deceptions to be in the "obvious" things. Sorry, but if you can see something as "wrong" then guess what: IT'S NOT A "DECEPTION", PEOPLE!!! Deception would be those things that are very very wrong but appear very very RIGHT to us -- to US, BELIEVERS, the "elect" if you will. What appears more right and good and correct than that very subtle but hideously corrosive, destructive legalism that masquerades as "holiness" and "obedience" and "getting right with God"? Not to mention all the many variations of poisonous disgusting lies that portray divine love as something either overtly abusive or permitting of abuse to be included, and disses real divine love -- you know, the kind that's tender, patient, full of mercy and compassion, always putting the needs -- AND YES, FEELINGS -- of others first? -- as some great "evil" to be eschewed -- why that would be nothing short of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost itself!!

so yes you are onto something. now sit back and see how it will make the dragon froth at the mouth in rage -- and note whom he will speak through to express that rage!!

[~Magdalena~]

Phi 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Phi 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...

... we must understand that we can never attain His perfection, or come close to it.

But if we are talking about worldy perfectionism, then I think satan can, and will, use this to lead us away from our faith.

Not just the worldly. The religious, too. In fact, more the religious than anything else. Satan would be the first, foremost, most hardcore prosecuting attorney of perfectionism and legalism. Accuser of the brethren and NOBODY gets "off the hook" with him... he DESPISES the gospel because it declares absolute incontrovertible mercy to the most corrupt and vile sinner and nothing Satan with all his accusations of how horrible your attitude, behavior, lifestyle, etc. has been can touch that. he CANT TOUCH THIS!!

[Guest man]

so yes you are onto something. now sit back and see how it will make the dragon froth at the mouth in rage -- and note whom he will speak through to express that rage!!

Jesus said this,

Matthew 5

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

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Take note of who is speaking here,

Genesis 17

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

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The words of Paul.

2 Timothy 3

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

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And then there was James.

James 1

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

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Now who do you suppose it was that inspired the words of this book?

Job 8

20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:

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The words of Christ.

Revelation 3

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

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Hilarious